by Deshawn, age 9 from Georgetown, Guyana, asks Santa about the Christmas orange tradition, Kaieteur Falls, and Guyana’s English language heritage.
Dear Santa, my name is Deshawn, and I am nine years old. I live in Georgetown, Guyana, where my granny says our country has one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the entire world, hidden deep in the rainforest.
Dear Deshawn, a waterfall that dramatic sounds like one of the most spectacular sights on my entire South American route, your granny picked a truly stunning hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
What are Christmas oranges? My granny always puts one in the toe of my stocking every single year.
That is a lovely old tradition, Deshawn, tucking an orange into the toe of a stocking. A long time ago, oranges were a rare and special treat in winter, so finding one on Christmas morning felt like a true little gift, and the tradition has stuck around ever since, orange and all.
My teacher says Guyana is the only country in South America where English is the official language. Is that true?
It is true, Deshawn, Guyana stands out as the only English-speaking country on the entire South American continent. I always find that a helpful little detail when planning my greetings for the region.
My granny says Kaieteur Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, is right here in Guyana. Is that true?
It is true, Deshawn, Kaieteur Falls drops in a single, breathtaking plunge deep in the Guyanese rainforest, one of the most powerful single-drop waterfalls anywhere on Earth. I always slow the sleigh down for that thundering, misty view.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Deshawn Fraser
Georgetown, Guyana
P.S. Can my orange this year be an extra big one?
I will hand pick a good one myself, Deshawn, tradition deserves proper attention to detail.
